It’s also perhaps the most affordable method for creating 3D prototypes.[1] It can produce objects from 3D CAD data (computer-generated) files in just a few hours. [1]

They do this by converting liquid photopolymers (a special type of plastic) into solid 3D objects, one layer at a time. [1] This means the 3D objects don’t need other support structures during the build. [1]

After one layer has been deposited and cured, the build platform is lowered down one layer thickness and the process is repeated to build up a 3D object.[2] Additive Manufacturing in an umbrella term used to describe different types of technologies used to create 3D objects by the process of layering the raw material used. [3]

The process is carried out layer by layer till it produces a 3D model. [4] This is done using a 3D model file like an STL or OBJ file, which contains information about how an object is “sliced” into layers that the FDM can apply one at a time. [5]

As was mentioned previously, 3D systems Inc. developed Stereolithography (SLA), which per chance happened to be extremely simlar to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). [6] Stereolithography was invented by Chuck Hull in 1986, who filed a patent on the technology and founded the company 3D Systems to commercialize it. [2]

The main companies operating in SLS and SLM are ‘ 3D Systems ‘ and ‘ EOS ‘. [4]

SLA (a.k.a, stereolithography ) is also a real 3D imaging method.[7] In Mask-image-projection-based stereolithography, a 3D digital model is sliced by a set of horizontal planes. [8]

As the various additive processes matured, it became clear that soon metal removal would no longer be the only metalworking process done through a tool or head moving through a 3D work envelope transforming a mass of raw material into a desired shape layer by layer. [8]

Find everything you should know about additive manufacturing and the technologies used to build 3D objects using layers of material. [9] Objects can be of almost any shape or geometry and typically are produced using digital model data from a 3D model or another electronic data source such as an Additive Manufacturing File (AMF) file (usually in sequential layers). [8]

At the conclusion of the process, a laser, metal knife or tungsten carbide blade directed by a CAD file cuts through the many layers to create the final 3D object. [9] As long as each layer hardened before the deposition of the next, the process would generate a 3D object. [9]

Three weeks later in 1984, Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corporation 12 filed his own patent for a stereolithography fabrication system, in which layers are added by curing photopolymers with ultraviolet light lasers. [8]

With production facilities connected in over 140 countries, the 3D Hubs online platform helps you find the fastest and most price competitive manufacturing solution near you. [10]

Reduce reliance on inventory while answering short-run production needs. 3D Systems’ solutions enable end-use parts to be manufactured on demand, allowing overhead to shrink and productivity to soar. [11] Another big benefit of additive manufacturing with SLS is the ability to store and reproduce parts and dies as 3D CAD data that will never corrode, get lost in transportation or require expensive storage. [11] SLS really shines when you need 3D plastic parts that will last. [11]

SLS technology uses a laser to harden and bond small grains of plastic, ceramic, glass, metal, or other materials into layers in a 3D structure. [11] Using medical image data, 3D Systems services use different additive manufacturing processes and materials to produce physical anatomical models, with the option to sterilize for reference during surgery. [11] The computed tomography (CT) data of bone/prosthesis and model were collected and 3D reconstructed. [12] The original CT data and model CT data of above 61 pairs were 3D reconstructed by MIMICS 19.0 ( Fig. 2 ). [12]

Whether mastering 3D digitization and design or critical aspects of manufacturing, surgery and more, students equipped with real world skills are real world ready. [11] From reverse engineering and design services to 3D inspection routines, our team guarantees fast, high quality results every time. [11] The laser traces the pattern of each cross section of the 3D design onto a bed of powder. [11]

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling, which simply means that material is deposited in single layers that fuse together to create a 3D object. [13] Access the material and expert resources of a full manufacturing floor anywhere on the globe. 3D Systems On Demand Services provide high quality production solutions in any geometry, finish or volume. [11] SLS machines from 3D Systems offer the industry?s best finishes, leaving you with high-quality parts that are perfect for rapid prototyping, master patterns, end-use production, machine tools and more. [11]

Since the product lies in a bed of powder, no supports are necessary saving cost in materials and allowing faster 3D part production. [11] Although they both serve to create a physical product from a 3D model, these technologies work quite differently. [13]

Rapid manufacturing companies create a short run of 3D objects very fast, and the products that these companies create are the actual sellable and useable product, not a prototype.[14] Afinia 3D was founded with a focus on industrial design, which means they are a good resource for industrial companies hoping to create fast prototypes. [14] In addition to reading all major 3D CAD formats, TransMagic SUPERVIEW allows you to measure, dimension, perform mass properties calculations and create custom views. [15] Any company that handles 3D file formats for Mechanical CAD (MCAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), can benefit from TransMagic?s suite of tools. [15] Founded in 2001, TransMagic develops easy-to-use power tools for 3D CAD data. [15] TransMagic supports all major formats, both proprietary and open standards like STEP and IGES. Companies of all sizes use TransMagic to translate, compare, validate, repair, mock-up, and view 3D model data from virtually any CAD system. [15]

Selective laser sintering (SLS): With selective laser sintering, lasers are used as a source to heat powdered material that creates the 3D objects. [14] Both processes are essentially the same, guiding and heating a plastic-like filament, layer by layer, to build a 3D object. [15]